Hoffman Estates, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

Attorneys for Public Transit Accidents and Other Personal Injury Cases in Hoffman Estates, IL

Public transit is an essential aspect of daily life in Hoffman Estates, providing a reliable means of transportation for many residents and visitors. However, with this convenience comes the risk of accidents, and collisions involving buses can be especially dangerous. These incidents can lead to injuries for passengers, pedestrians, or people in other vehicles.

If you were involved in a public transit accident and suffered injuries, the legal team at Lucas Law can help you take steps to recover compensation, which can provide you with financial relief as you address the ways your injuries have affected you. In addition to public transit accidents, we can assist with other types of car and truck accidents, as well as other situations involving injuries caused by negligence.

Public Transit Accidents in Hoffman Estates

Public transportation is a lifeline for many people in Northern Illinois, and it contributes to the region's economic and social vitality. Bus services operate daily, offering routes throughout the community. However, as the number of buses on the road increases, so does the potential for accidents. Issues that may play a role in these cases include:

• Number of Public Buses - Hoffman Estates operates a comprehensive public transit system with numerous routes. This increases the potential for accidents when other drivers and pedestrians share the roads with these large vehicles.
• Daily Ridership - Thousands of residents rely on buses. While public transportation can provide convenience, it also carries some risks for passengers, who may be injured in accidents caused by the negligence of bus drivers or other parties.
• Accident Rates - While public transit is generally safer than personal vehicles, several hundred bus accidents occur every year in Illinois.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Some common factors that contribute to bus accidents and other public transit accidents include:

• Driver Error - Fatigue, distraction, or negligence on the part of bus drivers can lead to serious accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions - Potholes, worn-out pavement, or a lack of warning signs can increase the risk of accidents.
• Vehicle Maintenance - If buses are not maintained or repaired as needed, mechanical failures may occur while the bus is on the road, leading to accidents and injuries.
• Passenger Behaviors - Sudden movements by passengers or other issues that interfere with a bus driver's duties can lead to accidents that may injure multiple people.
• Actions by Other People on the Road - Drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists can act negligently and cause accidents involving buses.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents

Injuries in bus and public transit accidents can vary depending on the circumstances of a situation. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash - Sudden stops or collisions can lead to neck and back pain for people who experience violent jolts.
• Fractures - Passengers, pedestrians, or people in other vehicles may suffer from fractured bones in a bus accident.
• Bruises and Contusions - Passengers may experience these injuries when colliding with a bus's fixtures, such as seats or poles. Others involved in a collision may also suffer these types of injuries.
• Head Injuries - Passengers who are thrown about during a collision may suffer concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. Pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles may also suffer head injuries.
• Spinal Injuries - Severe accidents that cause victims to suffer damage to the spine and spinal cord can lead to long-term injuries or paralysis.

Legal Options After a Public Transit Accident

Victims of bus accidents may take steps to recover compensation for their damages. The legal options that are available can vary based on the specifics of the accident, but avenues to consider include:

• Personal Injury Claims - If the accident was caused by negligence on the part of a bus driver or another driver, victims may take steps to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
• Litigation Against Transit Authorities - If systemic issues such as poorly maintained buses contributed to the accident, the transit authority may be held responsible for the damages suffered by victims.
• Insurance Claims - All available insurance policies should be evaluated for potential coverage. Victims may be covered by the policies carried by public transit authorities, auto insurance policies carried by other drivers involved in an accident, or their own insurance policies.

Contact Our Hoffman Estates Personal Injury Attorneys

Public transit serves a vital role in Hoffman Estates, providing essential services to the community. People who have been injured while using public transit or in accidents involving buses will need to understand their legal options. At Lucas Law, we can provide the legal representation needed to address these situations and recover compensation for the damages suffered by victims. Contact us by calling 847-381-8700 and scheduling a free consultation.